A Ministry of Defence spokesperson has said safety of military personnel is "paramount".

A statement from Essex Police said: "Police were contacted shortly before 09:00 with reports of a man seen in Layer Road, Colchester, who was thought to resemble the man depicted in the efit issued by Norfolk Constabulary in relation to the attempted abduction of a serviceman at RAF Marham.

"Essex Police have been working with Norfolk Police who has confirmed that the sighting was not of the man in the efit."

Norfolk Police confirmed the sighting was not thought to have been of the suspects.

A spokesman said the team had liaised with Essex Police and agreed they are "satisfied" the two sightings are not linked.

AIRMAN KIDNAP ATTEMPT

Detective Superintendent Paul Durham, of the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, who is leading the investigation said on Wednesday: “I am pleased at the response – we have received 150 calls from members of the public, people living locally and further afield and officers are following up this information.

“The road blocks allowed us to capture people who might not necessarily live in the area but use the routes for work or leisure purposes. It was useful in identifying some drivers with dash cams and this footage has been retrieved and will be reviewed.

“We continue to make progress but it will be lengthy investigation as it requires painstaking detailed enquiries.”